Start With the Mirror

 




You start with the mirror

It is always a good place to start

Before you run out the door, slip on your shoes, shut the gate behind you, and start the car, you always should look in the mirror. Is all your frizzy hair lying flat the way it should? Does your shirt match your skirt? Is your outfit appropriate for this type of outing?

"Start with the mirror."

It was the advice given to me



You start with the mirror

It is always a good place to start

Before you wipe down the sink filled with toothpaste and scum, and the scrub the bathroom floor that is constantly trod on by feet that walked on all sorts of streets, you should first clean the mirror. First spray a few squirts of mirror cleaner, then wipe it in circular motions until your reflection becomes clear of smudges once again. A dirty cloth cannot do a thorough job. 

"Start with the mirror."

It was the instructions given to me



You start with a mirror

It is always a good place to start

Before you run to your bedroom, slam the door behind you, and cry yourself to sleep, take a look in the mirror and see the tears already beginning to run down your face. You might find how funny you look and simply laugh in return.

"Start with the mirror."

It was the advice given to me


But how can I start with a mirror when it tells me information that I don't want to know.

It reminds me that no matter how hard I try, I will always be dressed-up or dressed-down for the occasion. Where are the books that tell you what to wear at a wedding, a funeral, or a pajama birthday party?

It is better to forget what I look like than to pace the room with no solution for appropriate attire.

It reminds me that underneath all the mirror cleaning spray is a tired, lonely face. After cleaning 12 bathrooms twice, the only hope I have is that I will be cleaning them all 2 times again tomorrow, the next day and the next. 

It is better to not feel, than to wonder if you will be able to survive the workday.

It reminds me that I am sad. It reminds me that I didn't think it was funny. It reminds me it is only my face peering down at me through the mirror. It reminds me that no one else can see my tears. It reminds me that I am not brave enough to let anyone else in.

It is better to stay safe, than to let the image crack from the sound of laughter at its tears.


I couldn't follow the advice. 

I abandoned the mirror

Until years later when I learned

That step one

Must be followed by step two



You start with the mirror

Then share its image with a friend

Before you run out the door, slip on your shoes, shut the gate behind you, and start the car, you always should look in the mirror, then turn to your friend "Will this do?"

Before you wipe down the sink filled with toothpaste and scum, and the scrub the bathroom floor that is constantly trod on by feet that walked on all kinds of streets, you should first wipe down the mirror, then text your friend "Do you want to eat dinner together after work?"

Before you run to your bedroom, slam the door behind you, and cry yourself to sleep, take a look in the mirror and see the tears already beginning to run down your face then you must open the door to let another reflection appear on the mirror.

Your friend might be a journal

Your friend might be different people depending on the day

Your friend might be a physical activity

You friend might be God

Your friend might be a parent

Your friend might be art

Your friend might be a combination of everything above


"Start with the mirror

Then share your image with a friend"

It was the advice given to me.




I like to find stories in unlikely places and connect them with unlikely subjects. Here are stories and analogies that I see as I travel around the world.

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